Blundering hedgehog falls down 18 inch hole

A Leicester rescuer was called to the aid of a bumbling hedgehog trapped at the bottom of an 18 inch hole

The spiky creature was found by a builder who had dug the hole for a post to be inserted earlier that day.

But when he returned to the spot later that evening, he discovered the hedgehog scrambling at the bottom of the pit.

Not knowing what to do, the worker posted on Facebook: "Advice needed! I have just discovered that a hedgehog is trapped in a post hole that I've dug! What should I do? Should I just pick it up with gloves on? The hole is 18 inches deep."

Locals from the area rallied to inform him of a well-known Leicestershire Hedgehog Rescue volunteer, Bev Hart who offered her services right away.

When she arrived at the scene on July 1, she noticed multiple claw marks in the hole suggesting the hedgehog had been trying to escape for quite some time.

Bev runs her own rehabilitation "Hogspital" from her home nearby where she looks after hedgehogs that have been injured or are unwell.

This was one of the easy rescues, she said but others are not so lucky.

The rescuer added: "I have seen some horrific injuries in my eight years of doing this. Especially when it involves garden trimmers and lawnmowers.